Bishop: Titans leaders must assert themselves

Ever since the Titans parted ways with Kevin Mawae, Keith Bulluck, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Algae Crumpler last season, the issue of team leadership has drawn plenty of attention.

Former Titans safety Blaine Bishop believes the Titans have potential leaders on the team, but that those players need to be more assertive – even if it means stepping on the toes of teammates from time to time.

“I wasn’t in the locker room last year, so I can’t say for sure. But from what I saw, I think there are some elements where people were leaders, but they wanted people to like them,” said Bishop, a member of the Oilers/Titans from 1993 through 2001 and now a host on the 3-Hour Lunch radio show on 104.5-FM.

“I was captain of the defense, but I wanted to win. I was competitive. If I said something you didn’t like, you could let me know. But at the end of the day, I’m doing what’s best for the team.”

Bishop says the lack of fearless leadership isn’t limited to the Titans.

“I think in this generation, it’s really hard to find that guy or those guys,” Bishop said. “This generation of kids wants people to like them, and you know, the job is not for you to like me, it’s to respect me. You have to lead by example, first of all off the field — whether it’s in the community or in the weight room, working hard and showing them, then going out and performing at the same time. That’s how you gain respect.”

Do the Titans need to add an experienced leader or two, especially with the possibility that all four of last year’s captains — Vince Young, Ahmard Hall, Donnie Nickey and Stephen Tulloch — could be moving on?

“You never know, they may bring in a proven veteran to do that,” Bishop said. “Or at least on the defensive side of the ball. And at some point, (rookie QB Jake Locker) will be that guy as time goes by and he makes mistakes, but still shows his mental toughness and shows that he can fight through that and be a leader of the team.”